term meaning someone who loads or unloads freight. According to the dictionary it was first used in 1785.

What does lumper mean?

1 : a laborer who handles freight or cargo. 2 : one who classifies organisms into large often variable taxonomic groups based on major characters — compare splitter.

Why do truckers have to pay lumpers?

Many trucking companies do not want their drivers unloading freight unless it is part of their normal job duties. In order to keep their drivers well rested and ready for the road, trucking companies will choose to pay lumpers to unload freight rather than have their drivers expend energy or risk injury doing so.